Control

I have absolutely no pressing need to be in control of anything, except perhaps my career to some extent and health to a greater extent (since both have bad previous). If someone else wants to take control of a situation, I quietly let them do so; sit back, watch, listen, maybe learn (if I'm lucky) and enjoy the ride. However, this laid back attitude does not in any way mean that I'm not assertive. If there's no one else who wants to take charge, I quickly and deliberately do so. If the person in charge seems unsure, I tactfully support, encourage, guide and if absolutely necessary, take over. If the person appears incompetent and dangerous, I dispense with the tact and take over completely. Often without little ceremony.

Being laidback about control does not mean one is un-assertive, weak, a pushover or irresponsible.

Far from it. Though it just might mean that one is loath to make an effort when someone else appears to relish being in charge much more than one does. And curiously, when the shit hits the fan, people like this always seem to be the ones scraping everyone off the pavement and herding them home. And that of course, is a rather mixed-up metaphor.